Langston Hughes is one of the most beloved American poets and considered one of the greatest American poets of the twentieth century. He was born in Joplin, Missouri on February 1, 1902 and is best known for his jazz age poetry and his social justice and civil rights activism.
Hughes’ poetic works sought to capture the experiences of being African American in the 1920s and beyond. His first published poem, “The Negro Speak of Rivers,” appeared in 1921. This poem became his signature piece and reflects the influence of his mother’s heritage of slavery. His second and third volumes of poetry, Fine Clothes to the Jew (1927) and Dear Lovely Death (1931), were also highly acclaimed.
In addition to writing poetry, Hughes also wrote plays, essays and novels. His most notable works include Not Without Laughter (1930), The Ways of White Folks (1934), I Wonder As I Wander (1956), and the play Simply Heavenly (1957). He is credited with introducing jazz rhythms into poetry and bringing African American culture to the American literary canon. His was one of the first to celebrate the Black experience in American culture.
Hughes’ activism, like his poetry, often focused on equality and civil rights. He served on the executive board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 1935, Hughes wrote the famous poem, “Let America Be America Again,” during a time of intense racism in the US. The poem was an immense success and resonated with the African American community during the Civil Rights Movement.
Hughes’ works have become synonymous with the Harlem Renaissance and are taught and studied around the world. His influence on literature and culture is undeniable, and he remains an inspirational figure for the African American community. Hughes received numerous awards and distinctions during his lifetime, including an honorary doctorate from Yale University in 1960.
Influence on the Harlem Renaissance
As one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes was instrumental in introducing jazz rhythms into American literature and spurring the evolution of literature and culture. He helped to create a new genre of literature, one that was steeped in African American heritage and rhythms, and provided a voice for the African American experience.
The Harlem Renaissance was a milestone in American literature, art, and culture. It marked the first time that African American writers and artists were given an international platform to express their creativity. As part of the literary movement, Langston Hughes wrote many of his renowned works during this time period, such as his collections The Ways of White Folks and The Weary Blues. Hughes’ work was often rooted in the universal themes of identity, love, joy, and suffering, all set in the context of being African American.
The Harlem Renaissance period was a time for the growth of African American literature and culture, and Hughes was at the forefront of this movement. His works helped to bridge the gap between African Americans and mainstream culture, providing a platform and a voice for their experiences. Hughes’ pieces were admired by both African Americans and whites, opening the door for a more widespread understanding of African American heritage and culture.
The Harlem Renaissance also set the stage for subsequent generations of African American authors, poets and activists. Without the works of Langston Hughes, it is likely that the experiences of African Americans would not have been as widely known or embraced as they have become.
Hughes’ Legacy
Langston Hughes’ legacy is immense and his works are timeless. His books, plays, and poems continue to inspire the African American community and provide insight into the African American experience. His influence can be seen in the writings and activism of contemporary African Americans.
The impact of Hughes’ writings on the Civil Rights Movement cannot be underestimated. His poetry, essays, and plays exuded his commitment to bringing about social justice. He provided hope to African Americans of achieving equal rights, and his works were embraced during the Civil Rights Movement as a means of expressing the experiences and aspirations of African Americans.
Among his many accolades, Langston Hughes received the Springarn Medal from The NAACP and the Frost Medal from The Academy of American Poets, both in recognition of his lifetime of contributions to literature and culture. His poems continue to be studied, admired and quoted.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes was one of America’s most respected figures of the 20th century, and his legacy still lives on today. His poetic works, essays, and activism were instrumental in providing a platform for African Americans to express their unique experiences. His works continue to be studied and admired, and his influence can be seen in the writings and activism of African Americans today.
